Nagaland welcomes Air India Express jet in Tsüngkotepsü colours

DIMAPUR: Nagaland’s festive season took flight as chief minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed Air India Express’ newest Boeing 737-8 at Dimapur Airport, sporting a striking Tsüngkotepsü livery inspired by the Ao tribe’s iconic warrior shawl. The aircraft’s arrival marks the airline’s role as official travel partner of the Hornbill Festival 2025. Traditional dancers set the tone with a vibrant welcome that captured the festival’s spirit.

Celebrated every year from 1 to 10 December, the Hornbill Festival is known as the ‘Festival of Festivals’, drawing visitors from across India and abroad. Showcasing folklore, craftsmanship, and the diverse traditions of Nagaland’s tribes, it offers an unmatched window into the State’s cultural identity. The partnership with Air India Express aims to make the journey as memorable as the destination.

Chief minister Rio said the new livery honours the Ao tribe’s artistic legacy and carries a part of Nagaland’s story across India. He noted that the collaboration will help welcome more visitors and deepen cultural understanding during the festival season.

Air India Express managing director Aloke Singh said the airline is proud to support Nagaland’s signature celebration. He added that the Hornbill spirit, warm and expressive, aligns with the airline’s Tales of India initiative, which highlights regional stories through art on aircraft tails. The Tsüngkotepsü design on the new aircraft VT-BWD is a tribute to Nagaland’s creativity and cultural pride.

To encourage travel during the festival, the airline is offering a 15 per cent discount on flights to and from Dimapur for bookings made until 10 December using the promo code Hornboill. A Hornbill-themed photobooth at Dimapur Airport and a community art canvas at the festival site in Kisama add to the experience. Travellers can also win free flights by sharing photos tagged with airindiax and XploreMore.

Air India Express operates daily services connecting Dimapur to Guwahati, with convenient onward links to Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata and Patna. Across the Northeast, the airline runs an extensive network that strengthens access to the region.

The Hornbill partnership follows a series of guest-centric initiatives by the airline that celebrate India’s festive calendar. Air India Express has also refreshed its Boeing 737-8 cabin with upgraded seats, USB charging ports, improved lighting and hot meal capability for a more comfortable journey.

With designs featuring textiles from Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram already gracing its fleet, the airline’s Tales of India programme continues to take the country’s many stories to the skies. This year, Nagaland’s Tsüngkotepsü joins the journey.